Maternity comfort mattress

ABSTRACT

A maternity mattress is disclosed which provides a cavity for accommodating the protruding abdomen of a pregnant woman as she lies in a frontally downward position upon the mattress surface. The maternity comfort mattress is essentially comprised of a foam core; of a cavity in the foam core for the enlarged abdomen of a pregnant woman; of a plurality of straps and a means to attach the straps to the foam core; and, of a removable cover to encase the entire device. Attachment and adjustment features are built in to the invention. These features include, but are not limited to, strips of material that have a loop and hook fastening means along two longitudinal sides of the mattress core and at each end of each of the straps.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 60/475,293 filed Jun. 1, 2003 by Shane Marie Hirstand titled “Maternity Comfort Mattress”.

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0002] The present device relates to the field of maternity mattressesto provide a woman during pregnancy comfort and a sleep aid. This isparticularly important in the third trimester when prenatal discomfortis at its peak. Various mattress devices have been adapted for assistingand providing comfort to women during pregnancy.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

[0003] Not Applicable.

SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM

[0004] Not Applicable

BACKGROUND-FIELD OF INVENTION

[0005] The maternity and comfort mattresses described in thisspecification are devices that are designed to assist people, such as apregnant woman, who need to comfortably accommodate a large abdominalarea especially when she is resting or sleeping. The mattress devicesneed to permit the abdomen to be comfortably supported and need to beeasily adjustable for different sizes of people. The device needs topermit for growth of the abdominal area such as during a pregnancy. Thepresent device may be utilized to comfortably support various sizedabdomens and is easily adjustable for growth.

[0006] A. Introduction of the Problems Addressed

[0007] During pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, a woman isnormally exposed to a large amount of discomfort due in part to theenlarged abdomen. This extended abdomen increases strain and stress tothe muscular and skeletal support from the back. In addition, it hasbeen suggested and generally accepted that the occurrence of certaincomplications during child birth, such as breech delivery, may besubstantially reduced if a mother were to sleep facing downwardly duringthe pregnancy. Because of the enlarged abdomen, it has been difficultand uncomfortable for a woman to rest and sleep in a face downwardposition on a normal, flat mattress. Likewise, without some support tothe enlarged abdomen, the stress and strain would be pronounced evenfurther to the muscular and skeletal regions of the back if a mattresswere only adjusted to provide a mere cavity for the abdomen. Therefore,a need exists to have a cavity or recess to accept the enlarged abdomenwhile maintaining a certain level of support to that region in order toprevent additional strain. Women are naturally various sizes and theyprogress and grow at differing rates during the entire prenatal period.Because of these size and rate variations, a maternity mattress with acavity for the abdomen needs to be easily and quickly adjusted tomaintain a firm, yet comfortable support to the pregnant womanthroughout the prenatal period.

[0008] B. Prior Art

[0009] Methods and apparatus for providing a resting or sleepingenvironment for pregnant women have a long history of development. Aspregnancy progresses, a woman's ability to find a comfortable restingposition on conventional mattresses decreases significantly. In pastyears, this has led to the development of many types of mattresseshaving a suitably located central cavity to accommodate the distendedabdomen. However, the degree and orientation of abdomen expansionchanges dramatically over time, and a mattress with a more or lessstatic cavity size, or other fixed attributes, cannot provide the neededcomfort and other health benefits for the full range of fetusdevelopment.

[0010] Several different devices have attempted to address the problemas stated. In use, the prior art devices are placed on or against a flatsurface, on top of an existing standard mattress, on mattress springs oras independent devices in and of themselves. However, the devices havenot solved the needs of a comfortable and supporting device that may beeasily adjusted as the size of the person's abdomen dictates. Like wisethe prior art devices that have some adjustment means are more complex,more expensive to manufacture, and/or more difficult to use compared toa mattress like the maternity comfort mattress presented here.

[0011] Examples of prior mattress innovations begin with U.S. Pat. No.2,089,854 issued to Pelligrini (1936). This teaches a multiple piecedevice including a wire-framed cot, a non-foam mattress with a largehole, and a cover for normal use. It provides no adjustable means ofsupport to the abdomen. A small section of a mattress device formaternity was issued to Talley as U.S. Pat. No. 3,118,152 (1962). Itteaches a small section of a foam mattress with a removable, taperedcenter. The device is used with another mattress or support means andmay be separated and used as pillows. A further maternity mattressdevice was issued to Skinner as U.S. Pat. No. 3,378,862 (1966). Thispatent teaches a semi-spherical recess in a complete mattress, acomplimentary filler section, and a zippered mattress ticking forremoving the filler to permit a recess in the mattress. There is noadjustment means taught.

[0012] Other examples include U.S. Pat. No. 3,464,069 issued to Bien(1967) which teaches a portable sunbathing cot. It teaches an opening inthe cot and an adjustable band across the opening. The band has multipleadjustment locations by a series of snap mechanisms along the side. AU.S. Pat. No. 4,021,872 was issued to Powell (1977). It teaches amaternity mattress with a modifiable cavity for supporting the enlargedabdomen of a pregnant woman. The mattress comprises resilient disk-likemembers as filler means removably received in a circular cavity. Thedisk-like members can be selectively removed to alter the size of thecircular cavity. A U.S. Pat. No. 4,054,960 issued to Pettit (1977)teaches an inflatable body support cushion that has several sectionsincluding a removable center section that is positioned in an opening.The opening then may receive the abdomen. The section may also be leftin the opening and partially inflated to provide some adjustable supportto the abdomen.

[0013] A prenatal mattress U.S. Pat. No. 4,382,306 was issued to Lickert(1983) that teaches a multiple-piece mattress. The device has abdominaland head cushions which are adjustably filled with a fluid (liquid orgas). The two cushions are then secured in place to the base mat by ahook and loop mechanism such as Velcro® or the like. The device providessome adjustment by varying the amount of fluid, but the device is morecumbersome compared to the new maternity mattress. Two maternitymattress devices were issued patents to Halverson: U.S. Pat. No.4,737,999 (1988) and U.S. Pat. No. 4,819,287 (1989). They both teach amattress having close sided cylindrical cavities containing inflatablecells.

[0014] Additional inflatable mattresses are taught by U.S. Pat. No.5,185,897 issued to Van Laanen (1993) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,237,712 issuedto Ramsay (1993). Both demonstrate adjustable means to support thecentral recess in a mattress by inflating a section or sections withair.

[0015] A U.S. Pat. No. 5,369,824 issued to Powell (1994) describes amattress having a close sided cylindrical cavity containing a series ofremovable cushions. A lounger for pregnant women is shown in U.S. Pat.No. 5,438,715 issued to Jackman (1995). This teaches a removable cushionthat has a non-adjustable, attachable net to support the abdominal area.A U.S. Design Patent D 392,145 issued to Thurston (1998) shows multipleremovable sections for a central recess area in an air mattress forpregnant women. A very similar design was shown in U.S. Design Patent411,933 issued to Bernstein (1999) for a foam mattress. A U.S. Pat. No.6,581,229 was also issued to Bernstein (2003). This teaches at least twofoam pieces to adjust the central support for the abdomen.

[0016] Another inflatable support mattress is taught in U.S. Pat. No.5,890,246 issued to Davis (1999). It has a central portion with aseparate air chamber to adjustably support the abdominal area.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The instant device presented here is comprised of a substantiallyrectangular foam or soft mattress core with a cavity to accept theenlarged abdomen area of a pregnant woman. The central cavity has one ormore resilient straps across the top plane of the core mattress. Thestraps are attached along the sides of the core mattress and can bequickly adjusted for length. The entire device is then encased in aremovable mattress cover for additional comfort and hygiene. Thesefeatures permit one to adjust the support depth of the straps as thepregnancy advances—permitting firm support and plentiful room for theabdomen of a pregnant woman lying prone with her face downward. Otherdevices heretofore required complex and expensive components to providesimilar opportunities for support and comfort. Other prior art does notsuggest or disclose the features of the present maternity comfortmattress.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

[0018] Accordingly, there are several objects and advantages of thematernity comfort mattress. There currently exist inflatable and complexmechanisms for maternity mattresses. This Maternity Comfort Mattressprovides an improvement because it is designed to be simply and easilyadjusted and is inexpensive to manufacture as compared to the prior artdevices.

[0019] One advantage of this device over others in the field is thesimplicity of use. The straps are very easily adjusted to differentattachment points when the mattress cover is pulled back from the foamcore. The differing lengths provide different depths to the abdomencavity. Additionally, all of the parts are essentially attached to theentire maternity mattress. Therefore there are no “extra” parts to keeptrack of or store when not required—unlike more complex devices.

[0020] Another advantage is multi-straps for adjusting to individualneeds. Because of the different sized women and different growth rates,there is a need for an abdominal cavity that can be quickly adjusted tomany sizes.

[0021] A further advantage is the inexpensive design. The foam core canbe one of many inexpensive and readily available materials describedbelow. The straps can be of various resilient materials. The attachmentmeans can be of a loop and hook system (such as Velcro® or the like) orsome equally quick and effective means. This results in a cost advantageover mattresses of conventional ticking and/or complex cavity andadjustment means. This new device with its cost efficient design evenpermits a device inexpensive enough to allow one to use the device forone pregnancy term and then discard the mattress.

[0022] Additional advantages of this new maternity comfort mattress arethat it is flexible to use and it is easy to transport. Because it isroughly the same dimension area-wise as a twin mattress, it may be usedin conjunction with a twin sized, a standard single or double, a queensize or a king sized bed. Because the design is of lightweight materialsand does not utilize a frame, the device is portable and is easier totransport as compared to complex mattress substitutes in this field ofinventions.

[0023] Another design feature is the washable and replaceable cover. Theability to easily remove the mattress cover affords a chance to maintaina clean and hygienically superior mattress. Also, it permits one to havedifferent covers to switch periodically in the same way one may havemultiple bed linens for their ordinary mattresses.

[0024] Another advantage of this device over others in the field is thatthe maternity comfort mattress is not a fluid-filled device. Thisremoves the limitation associated with puncturing an inflated orfluid-filled device.

[0025] Finally, other advantages and additional features of the presentdevice will be more apparent from the accompanying drawings and from thefull description of the maternity comfort mattress. For one skilled inthe art of maternity and other comfort mattresses and devices it isreadily understood that the features shown in the examples with this newdevice are readily adapted to other types of inventions which areassociated with comfort.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in andconstitute a part of this specification, illustrate an embodiment of thepresent maternity comfort mattress that is preferred. The drawingstogether with the summary description given above and a detaileddescription given below serve to explain the principles of theinvention. It is understood, however, that the new device is not limitedto the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

[0027]FIG. 1 is an ISOMETRIC VIEW of the invention—a maternity comfortmattress.

[0028]FIG. 2 is SIDE VIEW of a pregnant woman lying on the comfortmaternity mattress.

[0029]FIG. 3 is an ISOMETRIC VIEW of the maternity comfort mattressdepicting its several parts that are the preferred embodiment.

[0030]FIG. 3A is an ISOMETRIC VIEW depicting an alternative embodimentwith a single strap or band.

[0031]FIG. 4 is a SKETCH from the SIDE of an actual prototype of thematernity comfort mattress.

[0032]FIG. 5 is a SIDE VIEW of the maternity comfort mattress.

[0033]FIG. 6 is various cross sections of possible adjustment positionsfor the maternity comfort mattress.

[0034] A-A is at the earliest use where minimal abdominal space isrequired.

[0035] B-B is at an early stage of the pregnancy where some abdominalspace adjustment is required for comfort.

[0036] C-C is at a later stage in the pregnancy where additional comfortspace is required for the abdomen.

[0037] D-D is at a late stage of the pregnancy where maximum space isrequired for comfort around the enlarged abdomen.

[0038]FIG. 7 is an ISOMETRIC VIEW of the maternity comfort mattressshowing the operation of the straps.

[0039]FIG. 8 is a SKETCH from the END of an actual prototype of thematernity comfort mattress showing the straps in place.

[0040]FIG. 9 is Partial ISOMETRIC VIEW showing the mattress cover inrelation to the maternity comfort mattress.

[0041]FIG. 10 is a SKETCH of an actual prototype of the inventionshowing a mattress cover being placed from an opposite end to FIG. 9.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS—REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0042] The following list refers to the drawings:

[0043]21 maternity comfort mattress

[0044]22 main foam core

[0045]23 support straps

[0046]24 removable mattress cover

[0047]25 attachment means on end of straps

[0048]26 attachment means on side of main core

[0049]27 abdominal cavity

[0050]28 ends of support straps

[0051]29 top area of support strap—no deflection

[0052]30 top area of support strap—some deflection

[0053]31 top area of support strap—medium deflection

[0054]32 top area of support strap—maximum deflection

[0055]33 adhesive or the like

[0056]34 top planar surface of foam core 22

[0057]35 large single support strap or band

[0058] W pregnant woman

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PERFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0059] The present invention is a maternity comfort mattress 21 that hasvarious features to enhance its use. These features are built-in to orintegrally attached to the main foam core body of the device. Thematerial comprising the main body of the device is preferably formedfrom well known foam or similar like materials described in more detail,below. The foam material is substantially rectangular in shape with acavity 27 extending throughout for accommodating the abdomen of apregnant woman W as she lies upon the mattress in a prone position. Inthe preferred embodiment, the abdominal cavity 27 is covered first by aplurality of resilient, elastic straps 23 that are attached to theoutside surface of the foam core 22 by a means of quick yet secureattachment 25, 26 (such a hook and loop system—like Velcro® or thelike—or an equivalent means of attachment). These straps 23 are adjustedto conform to the contours of the enlarged abdomen of the woman W atvarious stages of the pregnancy, gradually increasing the space for theabdomen of the woman W in the later stages. The entire device is encasedin a removable mattress cover 24. The material used to manufacture thecover is virtually unlimited. It should be washable and soft forcomfort, yet durable and resilient to assist in the support of theabdomen across the support straps. This mattress cover 24 providescomfort and strength as it encases the straps 23 and abdominal cavity27. The cover 24 may be removed and washed for cleanliness.

[0060] A person having ordinary skill in the field of this inventionappreciates the various materials and component parts that may be usedto physically permit this maternity comfort mattress 21 to be producedand utilized. The improvements over the existing art are providing adevice that: (1) is simple to use, (2) has multiple straps for adjustingto individual needs, (3) is an inexpensive design, (4) is flexible andeasy to transport, (5) has a washable and replaceable cover, and (6) isnot an inflated device subject to puncturing.

[0061] There are shown in FIGS. 1-10 complete operative embodiments ofthe invention. The invention generally relates to a maternity comfortmattress 21. The mattress is essentially comprised of:

[0062] A. a foam core 22 with a cavity 27,

[0063] B. a plurality of straps 23 and a means 25,26 to attach thestraps 23 to the foam core 22, and

[0064] C. a cover 24 to encase the entire device.

[0065] Attachment and adjustment features are built in to the maternitycomfort mattress and will be described in detail, below.

[0066] While the present invention shows a maternity comfort mattress 21that approximately covers the area of a twin sized mattress as theembodiment for this new device, this showing is not meant to limit theintention of the present invention. The same concept applies to othermaternity comfort mattresses of varying areas and depths.

[0067] In the drawings and illustrations, note well that the FIGS. 1-10demonstrate the general condition of mattress having four (4) to six (6)support straps 23. This is done for simplicity and it is understood thatmany times in the descriptions, below, only one strap 23 will bereferenced. The use of varying numbers or a plurality of the supportstraps 23 is possible. For simplicity of illustration of the invention,please note that the manner of attaching any of the support straps tothe body of the maternity comfort mattress is not intended to restrictthe attachment to only one manner. The manner of attachment isfunctionally understood by those skilled in the art to be one of severalways appropriate to attach all the support straps to the foam core ofthe mattress.

[0068] The preferred embodiment of the maternity comfort mattress 21 iscomprised of the parts as shown in FIG. 1-10 of the drawings. Theseparts include, but are not limited to, the parts mentionedpreviously—the main foam core 22; a plurality of support straps 23; anda removable mattress cover 24. These parts have specific features notedin the descriptions below.

[0069]FIG. 1 is an ISOMETRIC VIEW of the invention—a maternity comfortmattress 21. This view depicts the general view of the maternity comfortmattress 21.

[0070]FIG. 2 is SIDE VIEW of a pregnant woman W lying on the comfortmaternity mattress 21. This view shows the woman, denoted as W lying ina prone position with her face downward on top of the maternity comfortmattress 21.

[0071]FIG. 3 is an ISOMETRIC VIEW of the maternity comfort mattress 21depicting its several parts that are the embodiment of the invention.This view shows the foam core 22; and, a plurality of the support straps23.

[0072] The foam core 22 is not limited to a specific material. However,it is preferably polymeric foam such as a soft, open celled urethanefoam or any other suitable foam with a softness or hardness selected forthe particular application of the device. As materials and compounds aredeveloped that have similar characteristics, one skilled in the artunderstands that the description or the foam core 22 is exemplary andnot limiting to the material utilized in the present invention.

[0073] The support straps 23 may be of any suitable resilient materialthat permits some elasticity, yet maintains a firm presence in thecavity of the foam core 22. Although several materials are suitable, thebalance between the elasticity of the material and the resistance tolongitudinal forces are best confirmed empirically for each specificresilient material.

[0074] Further, the FIG. 3. shows the mattress cover 24; the attachmentmeans 25 on each end of the support straps 23; two attachment means 26that are integrally attached to the foam core 22; and, an abdominalcavity 27 extending through the foam core 22.

[0075]FIG. 4 is a SKETCH from the SIDE of an actual prototype of thematernity comfort mattress 21. The components are explained in FIG. 5.

[0076]FIG. 5 is a SIDE VIEW OF THE maternity comfort mattress 21. Itspecifically shows the attachment means 26 that is integral to the foamcore 22. The support straps 23 are fastened to the attachment means 26by the connection means 25 on each end of each of the support straps 23.Attachment straps 26 and connection means 25 can be one of manyfastening systems. For example, they could be hook and loop systems(such as the well-known Velcro®); a snapping system or a slideengagement system. These functional examples are offered, as statedabove, to show a person well skilled in the art one of several ways toappropriately attach all the support straps to the foam core of themattress.

[0077]FIG. 6 is various cross sections of possible adjustment positionsfor the maternity comfort mattress 21.

[0078] A-A is at the earliest use where no or very minimal space isrequired. Note the ends 28 of the support straps 23 wrap around theunderside of attachment 26. Note also that the top area 29 of the straps23 are coplanar with the top surface 34 of the foam core 22.

[0079] B-B is at an early stage of the pregnancy where some spaceadjustment is required for comfort. The ends 28 are closer to the edgeof the attachment strip 26. The top area 30 of the support straps 23 isnow below the top surface 34 of the foam core 22.

[0080] C-C is at a later, middle stage in the pregnancy where additionalcomfort space is required. The ends 28 are at the edge of the attachmentstrip 26. The top area 31 of the support straps 23 is now far below thetop surface 34 of the foam core 22.

[0081] D-D is at a latest stage of the pregnancy where maximum space isrequired for comfort. The ends 28 are on the sides of the attachmentstrip 26. The top area 32 of the support straps 23 is now at itsextremely lowest point below the top surface 34 of the foam core 22.Here the abdominal cavity 27 is at its maximum capacity to hold anenlarged abdomen comfortably, yet firmly.

[0082] In the Enlarged Section of D-D in FIG. 6 note that the attachmentstrips 26 are integrally held to the foam core 22 by means of anadhesive 33 or the like to form a secure bond between the attachedcomponents.

[0083] Note well the attachment strip 26 is illustrated as an angular“L” strip that has surfaces along the sides and the bottom of foam core22. This does not preclude alternative designs such as a simple stripalong either the side or the bottom of the foam core 22. In fact, allthe section views delineated above are provided as examples and notlimitations for the concept of attaching the support straps 23 to thefoam core 22.

[0084]FIG. 7 is an ISOMETRIC VIEW of the maternity comfort mattress 21showing the operation of the straps 23. The support straps 23 extendacross the abdominal cavity 27 and are attached along each side of thefoam core 22 at the attachment strip 26 (each side).

[0085]FIG. 8 is a SKETCH from the END of an actual prototype of thematernity mattress 21 showing the straps 23 in place. The components areexplained in FIG. 7.

[0086]FIG. 9 is Partial ISOMETRIC VIEW showing the mattress cover 24 inrelation to the maternity comfort mattress 21. The mattress cover 24 canencase the foam core 22 and the support straps 23 from either end. Themattress cover 24 serves to encase the embodiment to provide a washable,durable, and replaceable hygienic surface. Additionally the cover 24provides a comfortable surface over the support straps 23 and thesurface of the foam core 22.

[0087]FIG. 10 is a SKETCH of an actual prototype of the inventionshowing a mattress cover 24 being placed from an opposite end to FIG. 9.The components are explained in FIG. 9.

[0088] An ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT of the maternity comfort mattress 21 isshown in FIG. 3A. Here, the view demonstrates that one large strap orband 35 is used rather than a plurality of smaller straps 23. The largestrap may be less costly to produce. All other features and functions ofthe preferred embodiment are present with this alternative embodiment.However, one skilled in the art realizes the adjustment to just onestrap 35 versus many straps 23 reduces some of the overall range of theadjustment to the support system.

[0089] In total all the points and details mentioned here throughoutthis detailed description of the drawings are exemplary and notlimiting. Other components specific to describing a maternity comfortmattress may be added as a person having ordinary skill in the field ofthis invention well appreciates. The drawing and components have beenfocused on the parts shown in respect to the present invention.

[0090] Operation of the Embodiment

[0091] The new maternity comfort mattress 21 as the present inventionhas been described in the above embodiment. The manner of how themattress 21 operates is described below. Note well that the descriptionabove, the included detailed drawings, and the operation described heremust be taken together to fully illustrate the concept of the maternitycomfort mattress 21.

[0092] The embodiment described above is a maternity comfort mattress 21essentially comprised of:

[0093] a foam core 22 with a cavity 27 for the enlarged abdomen of apregnant woman W;

[0094] a plurality of support straps 23 with means 25 and 26 to attachthe straps 23 to the foam core 22; and,

[0095] a cover 24 to encase the entire device.

[0096] The a pregnant woman W as shown in FIG. 2 lies in a face downwardposition with her enlarged abdomen in the cavity area 27. As her term ofpregnancy increases, the need for a larger cavity is a naturalphenomenon. The manner in which the maternity comfort mattress is usedto compensate for this increased need of the abdominal space isbest-demonstrated in FIG. 6 section views. There in FIG. 6, the supportstraps 23 are shown as they are adjusted to allow the top areas (29, 30,31, and 32) of the straps 23 to continue to be farther below the topsurface 34 of the foam core 22.

[0097] The manner in which the support straps are accessed easily isshown by FIGS. 9 and 10. The mattress cover 24 is merely pulled down toexpose the support straps 23 and the adjustments are quickly andefficiently made without the need of any tools.

[0098] The quick and efficient attachment and adjustment features arebuilt in to the invention. These features include, but are not limitedto, strips of material 26 (that have “loops” or other receiving means)along two longitudinal sides of the mattress core 22 and strips ofmaterial 25 (that have “hooks” or other engagement means) at each end 28of each the straps 23. These features are best shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and5.

[0099] The operation of the ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT shown in FIG. 3A isthe same as described for the PREFERRED EMBODIMENT. The single strap orband 35 is adjusted in the same manner as the multiple straps 23 asdiscussed above.

[0100] Having discussed above the use of the PREFERRED and ALTERNATIVEEMBODIMENTS of the maternity mattress 21 and its means of easyadjustment during the stages of pregnancy, one skilled in the art ofsupport mattresses in general can readily understand that there areseveral alternative uses for this device. For example, both men andwomen that have had an injury or surgery that requires the person to layface downward for recuperation and/or therapy can potentially benefit.Additionally, men or women that have large abdomens and wish to benefitfrom abdominal support when lying face downward may equally benefit fromthe device. These further examples are offered to show the expanse ofuses and not to limit the use to others needing abdominal support forvarious reasons.

[0101] For a pregnant woman W or for any of the other exemplary usesdescribed above, that person may use the preferred embodiment of thepresent invention in several ways. It may be placed on top of a twinmattress, a standard single or double mattress, a queen sized mattress,or a king sized mattress. Additionally, it could be used on variousother flat surfaces.

[0102] Because it is lightweight, is made of durable materials, requiresno special, complex frame, the maternity comfort mattress 21 may beeasily transported and may be stored in a relatively small space. Otheradvantages as well as other uses of having the present maternity comfortmattress are readily understood by one skilled in the art.

[0103] The maternity comfort mattress 21 invention has been describedabove in connection with what is presently considered to be the mostpractical and embodiments. With this description it is to be understoodthat the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments. Onthe contrary, the invention is intended to cover various modificationsand equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of thedescription.

What is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is:1. A maternity mattress for supporting the abdomen of a frontallydownward lying person, said mattress comprising: (a) a mattress havingupper and lower surfaces, a defined thickness and a central openingtherethrough; (b) a first means for adjustably adapting the top surfaceof said mattress over said cavity to the protruding abdomen of afrontally downward person; and (c) a removable and washable mattresscover, whereby said person may selectively adjust said first means ofadapting to increase or decrease the depth of said central opening tomore comfortably accommodate the abdomen of the person.
 2. The mattressaccording to claim 1 wherein the person is a pregnant woman.
 3. Themattress according to claim 1 wherein the person is an obese person witha large abdomen.
 4. The mattress according to claim 1 wherein the personis in need of special care for the abdominal region because of a medicalcondition.
 5. The mattress according to claim 1 wherein the mattressmaterial is a foam material.
 6. The mattress according to claim 5wherein the foam is a polymeric foam.
 7. The mattress according to claim6 wherein the polymeric foam is a soft and open celled urethane foam. 8.The mattress according to claim 1 wherein the mattress material is acomposite material with soft and resilient properties.
 9. The mattressaccording to claim 1 wherein the mattress material is standard fabricfilled mattress with an outer ticking.
 10. The mattress according toclaim 1 wherein the first means for adjustably adapting the top surfaceof said mattress over said cavity is a plurality of straps of resilientmaterial.
 11. The mattress according to claim 10 wherein the straps havea releasable fastening means to attach the ends of said straps to themattress.
 12. The mattress according to claim 11 wherein the fasteningmeans is a loop and hook system such as Velcro®.
 13. The mattressaccording to claim 11 wherein the fastening means is a snap system. 14.The mattress according to claim 11 wherein the fastening means isattached to the straps and mattress by an adhesive.
 15. The mattressaccording to claim 11 wherein the fastening means is attached to thestraps and mattress by sewing.
 16. A maternity mattress for supportingthe abdomen of a frontally downward lying pregnant woman, said mattresscomprising: (a) a mattress having upper and lower surfaces, a definedthickness and a central opening therethrough; (b) a plurality of strapsfor adjustably adapting the top surface of said mattress over saidcavity to the protruding abdomen of a frontally downward pregnant woman;(c) a means to removably attach the straps to the mattress; and (d) aremovable and washable mattress cover, whereby said woman mayselectively adjust the straps to increase or decrease the depth of thecentral opening to more comfortably accommodate her abdomen.